Warrnambool Seahawks await Latrobe attack at fortress Arc

THE Seahawks are building a fortress at the Arc with an undefeated home record going into tonight’s clash with Latrobe City Energy.

THE Seahawks are building a fortress at the Arc with an undefeated home record going into tonight’s clash with Latrobe City Energy.

The visitors boast a 7-1 record and sit on top of the Big V division one ladder, just one win ahead of Warrnambool at 6-2.

Coach Bobby Cunningham said Latrobe had a “nice list” of experienced players, but the Seahawks were ready to meet their defensive intensity after a bad loss in their most recent encounter.

“(Last year) they made it really hard and they beat us pretty well,” he told The Standard.

“I’m expecting the same style of game.

“They’re off to a good start, we’re off to a good start, so it should be a good game tomorrow.”

Cunningham said the home-court advantage of familiarity and rest had been significant factors this season. “The times we’ve lost other games this year are when we’ve had three to five hours’ travel time before we play.

“At home you’ve got to get those wins.

“We want it to be like it used to be — teams used to fear to come down here.

“We have one of the best home crowds in the business.”

After just eight games, the Seahawks have already passed the win total of last year’s forgettable season, with forward Tim Gainey averaging 20.8 points per game and US import Sai’Quon Stone familiarising himself with the competition’s pace and officiating.

Cunningham said in-game adjustments had been key in some of Warrnambool’s past victories, assisted by Stone’s ability to play multiple positions on the floor.

“You can’t be stubborn with what you do when you’re coaching,” he said. “When we go small it comes down to ‘Are they going to go conventional or try to match us’, and when they try to match us, we hurt teams.

“(Stone) is definitely getting in game shape, running a lot better and not getting as tired as fast as he was.

“It’s up to him to have that mindset to go out and believe he’s the best player on the floor. Each game he has gotten better.”